Pages: 26

This chapter explores the complex and evolving identity of nursing, tracing its roots from informal caregiving roles to its formal establishment as a profession by Florence Nightingale in the 19th century. It discusses the challenges of defining what nursing truly encompasses, noting the ambiguous yet foundational perspective introduced by Nightingale. The chapter examines the evolution of nursing education and practice, highlighting the move towards standardised training and the establishment of professional registration. It also addresses the profound impact of technological advancements on the profession, recognising both the potential benefits and the risks of digital integration. Through the lens of socio-political influences, the chapter reflects on the changing roles of nurses and the ongoing struggle to maintain a distinct professional identity in an increasingly digital world. The discussion extends to the development of digital nursing theory and the emergence of the ‘digital patient’, emphasising the need for nursing education to adapt to these technological changes while preserving core nursing values. Ultimately, the chapter argues for a critical re-evaluation of nursing’s role and identity to ensure that the profession remains relevant and effective in the digital age.

Pages: 19

In the digital age, the role of nurses is evolving rapidly as technological innovations reshape healthcare delivery. This chapter explores the integration of digital tools such as electronic health records (EHRs), telehealth, artificial intelligence (AI), and wearable devices into nursing practice. It highlights the dual role of nurses as both technology users and key contributors to the successful implementation of these innovations. The chapter considers the history of nursing informatics, tracing its development from the 1980s and discussing how the field has evolved from a focus on data management to one that emphasises decision-making, patient care, and workflow efficiency. Additionally, the concept of digital health citizenship is examined, emphasising how digital tools empower patients to take an active role in their healthcare. Through vignettes illustrating practical scenarios, the chapter addresses challenges like non-interoperable systems and accessibility issues, alongside the benefits of digitally enabled care. Drawing on Science and Technology Studies (STS), the chapter analyses the socio-technical interplay in nursing, demonstrating how nurses shape and are shaped by technological advancements. It concludes by encouraging nursing leaders to adopt proactive approaches to technology integration, ensuring that digital tools enhance healthcare while maintaining the humanistic core of nursing practice.

Pages: 26

As nurses fundamentally work with people, families, and communities, their practice is grounded in both ethical and moral principles. These include the promotion of self, humanisation, and the provision of person-centred care. Yet how nurses deliver these is shifting in an increasingly technology-driven healthcare environment. This chapter examines key considerations when using technology in nursing care while emphasising the preservation of an equitable patient-centred, humanistic approach while not making assumptions that people and generations will inevitably use technology in the same way. Readers will explore strategies to balance the use of technology with compassionate care, ensuring patients remain at the heart of nursing practice. Furthermore, the chapter explores the importance of considering equity within digital developments, recognising that access and capability to engage in the digital world are not universal both in terms of the people we work with and the workforce. It explores the wider implication of this in terms of expanding the health divide, often for those with the poorest healthcare outcomes.

Pages: 22

This chapter examines the underexplored role of social media in nursing, contrasting its often-negative portrayal with its potential to enhance patient care and professional growth. While digital tools like electronic patient records and telehealth are well-recognised, the integration of social media into nursing practice remains ambiguous, frequently viewed as a risk rather than an opportunity. This chapter argues that social media, when used responsibly, can be a valuable asset for nurses in the digital age. The chapter traces the evolution of the internet into a participatory Web 2.0 environment, defining social media as a platform for user-generated content that is increasingly influencing nurse-patient interactions. Through case studies, it illustrates how nurses can harness social media to understand patients’ digital information sources, correct misinformation, and even extend their care into virtual spaces. Looking to the future, the chapter envisions the emergence of the “social media nurse”, who utilises these platforms for professional development, patient education, and global knowledge exchange. Emphasising the importance of digital literacy and evidence-based practice, the chapter advocates for a more nuanced view of social media, positioning it as a critical tool for modern nursing rather than a liability.

Pages: 28

This chapter explores the transformative impact of digital solutions on wound care, a fundamental aspect of nursing practice. Traditional wound care methods are increasingly being supplemented or replaced by digital technologies that enhance wound prevention, assessment, monitoring, and treatment. By examining case studies and current evidence, this chapter highlights the benefits and challenges of integrating digital tools into wound care. It also considers how nursing theory and education can be reimagined through a digital lens to improve patient outcomes and efficiency. The chapter begins by defining key concepts related to digital solutions and wound care, followed by an exploration of the development and implementation of digital technologies in clinical practice. It concludes by discussing the implications of digital solutions for collaborative care, nursing efficiency, and the potential for big data to advance wound care research and education. This chapter aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the evolving role of digital technologies in enhancing the quality of wound care and the overall patient experience.

Pages: 19

This chapter addresses the critical challenge of Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAIs), focusing on digital innovations in infection prevention and control (IPC) within healthcare settings. It examines two digital approaches: the implementation of hand hygiene monitoring systems and the adoption of virtual care models. The chapter evaluates the practical limitations and compliance issues of hand hygiene monitoring systems and explores the transformative potential of virtual care models in reducing infection risks through remote healthcare delivery. Emphasising the importance of digital literacy, policy support, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the chapter advocates for strategic, evidence-based innovations aligned with patient-centred care principles. This discussion aims to enhance understanding of integrating technology into nursing practices to improve patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.

Pages: 18

This chapter explores the evolving role of nursing in the digital age, focusing on how emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and telehealth are reshaping the nursing profession. As healthcare systems worldwide confront the challenges of growing populations and a decreasing number of nurses, technology offers both opportunities and obstacles. The chapter discusses the implications of these technological advancements on nursing practice, particularly in terms of interprofessional collaboration, patient empowerment, and the need for nurses to take on leadership roles in healthcare innovation. It also examines the integration of AI in clinical decision support systems, the potential of personalised care planning, and the ethical considerations surrounding the use of robots in patient care. The chapter emphasises the importance of re-evaluating traditional nursing models and theories to accommodate the shift towards technology-driven healthcare, advocating for nurse-led initiatives in the development and implementation of new care models. Ultimately, this chapter highlights the critical role nurses must play in shaping the future of healthcare, ensuring that technological advancements enhance rather than diminish the quality of patient care.